The Legal Affairs Committee decided to amend the Act on Churches and Congregations. The committee removed some unnecessary parts from the law.
The chairman of the committee, Madis Timpson, said that four proposals came from the Center Party faction. Five proposals came from the Ministry of the Interior.
The committee decided to remove the section that discusses the role of influential persons from foreign countries. Additionally, the transition period was extended from two months to six months.
The new text of the law stipulates that churches and congregations must not be connected with foreign countries that threaten Estonia's security.
The committee clarified what constitutes a threat. A threat may arise if a foreign country supports or funds activities against Estonia.
Timpson emphasized that the amendments do not restrict religious freedom. No denomination will be banned.
The Legal Affairs Committee listened to the advisors of the Ministry of the Interior and decided to send the law for the second reading. The second reading will take place on June 11 and the third reading on June 19.
The Riigikogu passed the government-initiated law on April 9. The president left the law unannounced on April 24. He found that the law restricts religious freedom too much. The Riigikogu decided on May 14 that the law needs to be amended.